The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is likely to appoint a new Japanese head coach for the U17 Vietnam team in the near future.
The U17 Vietnam team will be the first from the nation to compete on the continental stage at the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025. This tournament is scheduled to take place from April 3 to April 20, 2025. According to the recent draw, U17 Vietnam is placed in Group B alongside Japan, Australia, and the UAE.
With over two months remaining before this crucial campaign begins, the coaching staff of U17 Vietnam is set to undergo significant changes. Cristiano Roland, who has been leading the team for the past six months and successfully guided them to qualify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025, will no longer continue in his role. The Brazilian coach recently accepted a position as the head coach of SHB Da Nang in the V.League.
This departure necessitates the VFF to find a replacement for the former Hanoi FC defender. A leading candidate for the position is reportedly a Japanese coach with a strong background, having previously managed Japan’s U16 team. This candidate also has extensive experience in coaching, football education, and working with the Japan Football Association (JFA). The VFF’s technical departments are currently evaluating this candidate thoroughly.
If the contract is finalized, it will mark the first time in nine years that a Vietnamese men’s youth team is led by a Japanese coach. Previously, coach Toshiya Miura managed the Vietnam national team from 2014 to 2016.
The upcoming U17 World Cup 2025, to be held in Qatar, will see FIFA increase the number of participating teams to 48. Consequently, Asia has been allocated eight slots. According to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the top eight teams advancing past the group stage of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 will secure spots in the U17 World Cup 2025. The tournament is set to take place from April 3 to 20 in Saudi Arabia.
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